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INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS OBD? ........................................................................ 1
YOU CAN DO IT! .............................................................................. 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
SAFETY FIRST! ........................................................................ 3
ABOUT THE CODE READER
VEHICLES COVERED ............................................................. 5
BATTERY REPLACEMENT ..................................................... 6
ADJUSTMENTS/SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY .................. 6
CODE READER CONTROLS
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................................. 10
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS ............................................................ 12
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS ......................................... 14
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) .............................. 19
OBD2 MONITORS .................................................................... 22
PREPARATION FOR TESTING
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHEET ......... 29
BEFORE YOU BEGIN .............................................................. 32
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS ............................................... 33
USING THE CODE READER
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE .......................................... 34
THE ENHANCED MAIN MENU ............................................... 40
VIEWING ABS DTCs ............................................................... 42
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCs .................................................. 45
VIEWING VEHICLE INFORMATION ....................................... 53
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) ............. 54
I/M READINESS TESTING ...................................................... 56
GLOSSARY
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 62
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................... 62
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY .......................................... 65
SERVICE PROCEDURES ....................................................... 65
i OBD2
Introduction
WHAT IS OBD?
WHAT IS OBD?
The Enhanced OBD2 Code Reader is designed to work on all OBD2
compliant vehicles. All 1996 and newer vehicles (cars, light trucks
and SUVs) sold in the United States are OBD2 compliant.
One of the most exciting improvements in the
automobile industry was the addition of on-
board diagnostics (OBD) on vehicles, or in more
basic terms, the computer that activates the
vehicle’s “CHECK ENGINE” light. OBD1 was
designed to monitor manufacturer-specific
systems on vehicles built from 1981 to 1995.
Then came the development of OBD2, which is
on all 1996 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S. Like its predecessor,
OBD2 was adopted as part of a government mandate to lower vehicle
emissions. But what makes OBD2 unique is its universal application for
all late model cars and trucks - domestic and import. This sophisticated
program in the vehicle’s main computer system is designed to detect
failures in a range of systems, and can be accessed through a universal
OBD2 port, which is usually found under the dashboard. For all OBD
systems, if a problem is found, the computer turns on the “CHECK
ENGINE” light to warn the driver, and sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) to identify where the problem occurred. A special diagnostic tool,
such as the Enhanced OBD2 Code Reader, is required to retrieve these
codes, which consumers and professionals use as a starting point for
repairs.
The Enhanced OBD2 Code Reader provides the additional ability to
retrieve enhanced data from most Chrysler/Jeep, Ford/Mazda,
GM/Izusu, Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus vehicles, as well as Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS) DTCs and vehicle information. The types of
enhanced data available depends on the vehicle make.
OBD2 1
You Can Do It!
EASY TO USE - EASY TO VIEW - EASY TO DEFINE
Easy To Use . . . .
Connect the Code Reader to the
vehicle’s test connector.
Turn the ignition key "On.”
Press the LINK button.
Easy To View . . . .
The Code Reader retrieves stored
codes, Freeze Frame data and I/M
Readiness status.
Codes, I/M Readiness status and
Freeze Frame data are displayed on the
Code Reader’s LCD display screen.
System status is indicated by LED
indicators.
Easy To Define . . . .
Read code definitions from the Code
Reader’s LCD display.
View Freeze Frame data.
2 OBD2
Safety Precautions
SAFETY FIRST!
SAFETY FIRST!
OBD2 3
Safety Precautions
SAFETY FIRST!
4 OBD2
About the Code Reader
VEHICLES COVERED
VEHICLES COVERED
The Enhanced OBD2 Code Reader is designed to work on all OBD2
compliant vehicles. All 1996 and newer vehicles (cars and light trucks)
sold in the United States are OBD2 compliant.
Federal law requires that all 1996 and newer cars and light
trucks sold in the United States must be OBD2 compliant; this
includes all Domestic, Asian and European vehicles.
Some 1994 and 1995 vehicles are OBD2 compliant. To find out if a
1994 or 1995 vehicle is OBD2 compliant, check the following:
1. The Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) Label. This
label is located under the hood or by the radiator of most vehicles. If
the vehicle is OBD2 compliant, the label will state “OBD II
Certified.”
SPARK PLUG
TYPE NGK BPRE-11 CATALYST
GAP: 1.1MM
OBD2 5
About the Code Reader
BATTERY REPLACEMENT / ADJUSTMENTS/SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Replace batteries when the battery symbol is visible on display
and/or the 3 LEDS are all lit and no other data is visible on screen.
1. Locate the battery cover on the back of the Code Reader.
2. Slide the battery cover off (use your fingers).
3. Replace batteries with three AA-size batteries (for longer life, use
Alkaline-type batteries).
4. Reinstall the battery cover on the back of the Code Reader.
The first time the unit is turned on, you must select the desired display
language (English, French or Spanish) as follows:
1. Press and hold the POWER/LINK
button for approximately 3 seconds to
turn the Code Reader “ON.”
The Select Language screen
displays.
2. Use the UP and DOWN buttons,
as necessary, to highlight the desired
display language.
3. When the desired display language is selected, press the
ENTER/FF button to confirm your selection.
After the initial language selection is performed, it, as well as
other settings, can be changed as desired. Proceed to
“ADJUSTMENTS/SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY” below for
further instructions.
6 OBD2
About the Code Reader
ADJUSTMENTS / SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY
Select Language: Sets the display language for the Code Reader
to English, French or Spanish.
Unit of Measurement: Sets the Unit of Measurement for the Code
Reader’s display to USA or metric.
Adjustments and settings can be made only when the Code
Reader is NOT connected to a vehicle.
OBD2 7
About the Code Reader
ADJUSTMENTS / SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY
The Enter DTC screen displays. The screen shows the code
“P0001”, with the “P” flashing.
2. Use the UP and DOWN buttons,
as necessary, to scroll to the desired
DTC type (P=Powertrain, U=Network,
B=Body, C=Chassis), then press the
DTC SCROLL button.
The selected character displays “solid”,
and the next character begins flashing.
3. Select the remaining characters in the
DTC in the same way, pressing the DTC
SCROLL button to confirm each
character. When you have selected all
the DTC characters, press the
ENTER/FF button to view the DTC
definition.
If you entered a “Generic” DTC
(DTCs that start with “P0”, “P2” and
some “P3”):
- The selected DTC and DTC
definition (if available), show on
the Code Reader’s LCD display.
8 OBD2
About the Code Reader
ADJUSTMENTS / SETTINGS AND DTC LIBRARY
OBD2 9
Code Reader Controls
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
11
10
7 8
6
9
1 3
2 4
10 OBD2
Code Reader Controls
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
OBD2 11
Code Reader Controls
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
2 1 11 12 13
3
4 15
5 16
6
7 14
8 10
9
12 OBD2
Code Reader Controls
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
OBD2 13
Onboard Diagnostics
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS
14 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS
On-Board
Computer
INPUT DEVICES
Coolant Temperature Sensor INPUT DEVICES
Throttle Position Sensor Oxygen Sensors
Fuel Injectors
OBD2 15
Onboard Diagnostics
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS
16 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS
OBD2 Terminology
The following terms and their definitions are related to OBD2 systems.
Read and reference this list as needed to aid in the understanding of
OBD2 systems.
OBD2 17
Onboard Diagnostics
COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROLS
18 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
OBD2 19
Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
Generic DTCs are codes that are used by all vehicle manu-
facturers. The standards for generic DTCs, as well as their
definitions, are set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Manufacturer-Specific DTCs are codes that are controlled by
the vehicle manufacturers. The Federal Government does not
require vehicle manufacturers to go beyond the standardized
generic DTCs in order to comply with the new OBD2 emissions
standards. However, manufacturers are free to expand beyond
the standardized codes to make their systems easier to
diagnose.
The 3rd character is a numeric digit. It identifies the specific
system or sub-system where the problem is located.
The 4th and 5th characters are numeric digits. They identify the
section of the system that is malfunctioning.
B - Body P0201
C - Chassis
P - Powertrain
U - Network
0 - Generic
1 - Manufacturer Specific
2 - Generic
3 - Includes both Generic and Manufacturer
Specific Codes
20 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
OBD2 21
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
If the conditions that caused the MIL to light are no longer present
for the next three trips in a row, the computer automatically turns the
MIL “Off” if no other emissions-related faults are present. However,
the DTCs remain in the computer’s memory as a history code for 40
warm-up cycles (80 warm-up cycles for fuel and misfire faults). The
DTCs are automatically erased if the fault that caused them to be
set is not detected again during that period.
Misfire and fuel system faults require three trips with “similar
conditions” before the MIL is turned “Off.” These are trips where the
engine load, RPM and temperature are similar to the conditions
present when the fault was first found.
After the MIL has been turned off, DTCs, Freeze Frame data,
and manufacturer-specific enhanced data stay in the
computer’s memory. Most of the enhanced data can only be
retrieved with special equipment such as a Scan Tool.
Erasing the DTCs from the computer’s memory can also turn off the
MIL. See ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs) on
page 54, before erasing codes from the computer’s memory. If a
Code Reader or Scan Tool is used to erase the codes, Freeze
Frame data as well as other manufacturer-specific enhanced data
will also be erased.
OBD2 MONITORS
To ensure the correct operation of the various emissions-related
components and systems, a diagnostic program was developed and
installed in the vehicle’s on-board computer. The program has several
procedures and diagnostic strategies. Each procedure or diagnostic
strategy is made to monitor the operation of, and run diagnostic tests on,
a specific emissions-related component or system. These tests ensure
the system is running correctly and is within the manufacturer’s
specifications. On OBD2 systems, these procedures and diagnostic
strategies are called “Monitors.”
Currently, a maximum of eleven Monitors are used in OBD2 systems.
Additional monitors may be added as a result of Government
regulations as the OBD2 system grows and matures. Not all vehicles
support all eleven Monitors.
Monitor operation is either “Continuous” or “Non-Continuous,”
depending on the specific monitor.
Continuous Monitors
Three of these Monitors are designed to constantly monitor their
associated components and/or systems for proper operation.
Continuous Monitors run constantly when the engine is running. The
Continuous Monitors are:
Misfire Monitor
22 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
Non-Continuous Monitors
Catalyst Monitor
OBD2 23
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
24 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
OBD2 25
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
26 OBD2
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
The table below lists current OBD2 Monitors, and indicates the following
for each Monitor:
A. Monitor Type (how often does the Monitor run; Continuous or
Once per trip)
B. Number of trips needed, with a fault present, to set a pending DTC
C. Number of consecutive trips needed, with a fault present, to
command the MIL “On” and store a DTC
D. Number of trips needed, with no faults present, to erase a Pending
DTC
E. Number and type of trips or drive cycles needed, with no faults
present, to turn off the MIL
F. Number of warm-up periods needed to erase the DTC from the
computer’s memory after the MIL is turned off
OBD2 27
Onboard Diagnostics
OBD2 MONITORS
Name of
Monitor A B C D E F
Comprehensive
Continuous 1 2 1 3 40
Component Monitor
Misfire Monitor 3 - similar
Continuous 1 2 1 80
(Type 1 and 3) conditions
Misfire Monitor 3 - similar
Continuous 1 80
(Type 2) conditions
Fuel System Monitor 3 - similar
Continuous 1 1 or 2 1 80
conditions
Catalytic Converter Once per
1 2 1 3 trips 40
Monitor trip
Oxygen Sensor Once per
1 2 1 3 trips 40
Monitor trip
Oxygen Sensor Once per
1 2 1 3 trips 40
Heater Monitor trip
Exhaust Gas
Once per
Recirculation (EGR) 1 2 1 3 trips 40
trip
Monitor
Evaporative
Once per
Emissions Controls 1 2 1 3 trips 40
trip
Monitor
Secondary Air Once per
1 2 1 3 trips 40
System (AIR) Monitor trip
28 OBD2
Preparation for Testing
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHEET
NAME:
DATE:
VIN*:
YEAR:
MAKE:
MODEL:
ENGINE SIZE:
VEHICLE MILEAGE:
*VIN: Vehicle Identification Number, found at the base of the windshield
on a metallic plate, or at the driver door latch area (consult your vehicle
owner's manual for location).
TRANSMISSION:
❏ Automatic
❏ Manual
OBD2 29
Preparation for Testing
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHEET
PROBLEMS STARTING
❏ No symptoms ❏ Cranks, but will not start
❏ Will not crank ❏ Starts, but takes a long
time
IDLING CONDITIONS
❏ No symptoms ❏ Is sometimes too fast or
❏ Is too slow at all times too slow
❏ Is too fast ❏ Is rough or uneven
❏ Fluctuates up and down
RUNNING CONDITIONS
❏ No symptoms ❏ Backfires
❏ Runs rough ❏ Misfires or cuts out
❏ Lacks power ❏ Engine knocks, pings or
❏ Bucks and jerks rattles
❏ Poor fuel economy ❏ Surges
❏ Hesitates or stumbles on ❏ Dieseling or run-on
accelerations
30 OBD2
Preparation for Testing
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHEET
PROBLEM OCCURS
❏ Morning ❏ Afternoon ❏ Anytime
ENGINE TEMPERATURE WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
❏ Cold ❏ Warm ❏ Hot
DRIVING CONDITIONS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
❏ Short - less than 2 miles ❏ With headlights on
❏ 2 - 10 miles ❏ During acceleration
❏ Long - more than 10 miles ❏ Mostly driving downhill
❏ Stop and go ❏ Mostly driving uphill
❏ While turning ❏ Mostly driving level
❏ While braking ❏ Mostly driving curvy
❏ At gear engagement roads
❏ With A/C operating ❏ Mostly driving rough
roads
DRIVING HABITS
❏ Mostly city driving ❏ Drive less than 10 miles per day
❏ Highway ❏ Drive 10 to 50 miles per day
❏ Park vehicle inside ❏ Drive more than 50 miles per
❏ Park vehicle outside day
GASOLINE USED
❏ 87 Octane ❏ 91 Octane
❏ 89 Octane ❏ More than 91 Octane
WEATHER CONDITIONS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
❏ 32 - 55° F (0 - 13° C) ❏ Above 55° F (13° C)
❏ Below freezing (32° F / 0° C)
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / DASH WARNING LIGHT
❏ Sometimes ON ❏ Always ON ❏ Never ON
PECULIAR SMELLS
❏ "Hot" ❏ Gasoline
❏ Sulfur ("rotten egg") ❏ Burning oil
❏ Burning rubber ❏ Electrical
STRANGE NOISES
❏ Rattle ❏ Squeak
❏ Knock ❏ Other
OBD2 31
Preparation for Testing
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
32 OBD2
Preparation for Testing
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS
FACTORY SOURCES
Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Isuzu, Hyundai and Subaru Service
Manuals
Helm Inc.
14310 Hamilton Avenue
Highland Park, Michigan 48203
Phone: 800-782-4356
OBD2 33
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
34 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
OBD2 35
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
36 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
OBD2 37
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
38 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
OBD2 39
Using the Code Reader
THE ENHANCED MAIN MENU
40 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
THE ENHANCED MAIN MENU
OBD2 41
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ABS DTCS
42 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ABS DTCS
OBD2 43
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ABS DTCS
3. If more than one code was retrieved press the DTC SCROLL
button, as necessary, to display additional codes one at a time.
Whenever the Scroll function is used to view additional codes,
the Code Reader’s communication link with the vehicle’s
computer disconnects. To re-establish communication, press the
LINK button again.
4. When the last retrieved DTC has been displayed and the DTC SCROLL
button is pressed, the Code Reader returns to the ABS Menu.
To exit the enhanced mode, use the UP and DOWN
buttons, as necessary, to select Exit from the ABS Menu, then
press the ENTER/FF button. The Code Reader returns to
the OBD2 DTC screen.
If you plan to take the vehicle to a Service Center for repair, DO NOT
erase the ABS DTCs from the vehicle’s computer. If the codes are
erased, valuable information that might help the technician troubleshoot
the problem will be erased.
1. Use the UP and DOWN buttons,
as necessary, to highlight Erase ABS
DTCs, then press the ENTER/FF
button.
2. A confirmation message shows on the
LCD display.
If you are sure you want to proceed, press the ERASE
button to erase the ABS DTCs from the vehicle’s computer.
If you do not want to continue with the erase process, press the
POWER/LINK button to exit the erase mode and return to
the ABS Menu.
3. If you chose to erase ABS DTCs, a
progress screen displays while ion is in
progress.
If the erase was successful, a
confirmation message shows on the
LCD display. Press the ENTER/FF
button to return to the ABS
Menu.
44 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
Erasing ABS DTCs does not fix the problem(s) that caused the
code(s) to be set. If proper repairs to correct the problem(s)
that caused the code(s) to be set are not made, the code(s)
will appear again as soon as the vehicle is driven long enough
for the problem to recur.
OBD2 45
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
46 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
OBD2 47
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
48 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
OBD2 49
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
50 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
OBD2 51
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING ENHANCED DTCS
52 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
VIEWING VEHICLE INFORMATION
OBD2 53
Using the Code Reader
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
54 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
ERASING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCs)
OBD2 55
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
Erasing DTCs does not fix the problem(s) that caused the code(s)
to be set. If proper repairs to correct the problem(s) that caused
the code(s) to be set are not made, the code(s) will appear again
(and the check engine light will illuminate) as soon as the vehicle
is driven long enough for its Monitors to complete their testing.
56 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
OBD2 57
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
58 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
OBD2 59
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
60 OBD2
Using the Code Reader
I/M READINESS TESTING
OBD2 61
Glossary
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
INTRODUCTION
This Glossary contains definitions for abbreviations and terms you may
find in this manual or in your vehicle service manual.
62 OBD2
Glossary
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
OBD2 63
Notes
64 OBD2
Warranty and Servicing
SERVICE PROCEDURES
If you have any questions, require technical support or information on
UPDATES and OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, please contact your local
store, distributor or the Service Center.
USA & Canada:
(800) 544-4124 (5:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday PST)
All others: (714) 241-6802 (5:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday PST)
FAX: (714) 432-7511 (24 hr.)
Web: www.CanOBD2.com
OBD2 65
®